During a press conference held by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ricardo Patiño, the Ecuadorian government announced that Julian Assange will receive diplomatic asylum in the South American country. After thoroughly investigating Assange’s claims, Ecuador reportedly verified that the Wikileaks founder has been abandoned by the Australian government, that the legal processes he is going through have seen irregularities, and the countries involved in the case have chosen not to provide the necessary guarantees to avoid extradition to the United States where he could be charged with treason, crime punishable by death.

Ecuador tried to negotiate guarantees for Assange’s well-being with England, Sweden, and the United States but none of these governments responded positively to their requests. The decision was backed citing numerous international conventions and as of right now, it is up to the English government to give Assange safe-conduct to leave the country. That said, there are already talks of a possible raid to the Ecuadorian embassy in London to cease Julian Assange.

Assange is wanted in Sweden for questioning on allegations of raping one woman and sexually molesting another, both of which he has strongly denied. He was due to be extradited to Sweden in nine days after the UK Supreme Court ruled on May 30 that it was lawful and gave the go ahead. Obviously that never happened because Assange found sanctuary in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Assange’s greatest fear is that once in Sweden he will be handed to the United States government.

Update: UK Foreign Minister William Hague has confirmed that Julian Assange will not be allowed safe passage out of the UK.